elastin

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁elh₂- Proto-Indo-European *h₁l̥h₂-tósder. Ancient Greek ἐλᾰστός (elăstós) Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos New Latin -icus New Latin elasticusbor. French élastiquebor. English elastic Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Indo-European *-iHnos Proto-Italic *-īnos Latin -īnusder. Old French -inbor. Middle English -in English -ineclip. English -in English elastin From elastic + -in.

1. A protein, similar to collagen, found in connective tissue, that has elastic properties.

   “Our stomachs produce an enzyme specifically designed to break down elastin, a type of protein found in meat and nowhere else.”